Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso does not dismiss the possibility of a move to Real Madrid.

Bayer Leverkusen’s manager, Xabi Alonso, has not dismissed the swirling rumours regarding a potential summer transfer to Real Madrid.

Following Madrid’s heavy defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, it appears Carlo Ancelotti’s second tenure at the club could be coming to an end, with Alonso reportedly being viewed as the favoured successor.

Alonso enjoyed a successful five-year playing spell at Madrid, where he clinched both the Champions League and LaLiga titles.

Since taking the reins at Leverkusen in October 2022, Alonso has made a significant impact in his first managerial role, guiding the club to an unbeaten league and cup double last season, marking their inaugural Bundesliga triumph.

Ahead of their upcoming match against St Pauli on Sunday, Alonso chose not to dismiss the possibility of moving to the Spanish giants.

“It’s not the right moment to discuss the future. We’re at a crucial stage in the season,” Alonso stated.

With five matches left to play, Leverkusen currently sits six points behind league leaders Bayern Munich.

The 43-year-old added that he “did not wish to engage in speculation and rumours,” emphasising that “what matters most to me is our current situation.”

Last Saturday, club CEO Fernando Carro expressed confidence that Alonso would remain with Leverkusen next season.

“He feels valued here. We’re also preparing for next season alongside him: pre-season training, matches, and squad planning,” Carro commented.

In March of the previous year, Alonso faced similar speculation regarding a move to Madrid, in addition to his former clubs Liverpool and Bayern. However, he held a press conference to quell the talk as his team was on the verge of claiming their first title.

This season, while Leverkusen is amid one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, it appears they might finish without silverware.

As the Bundesliga title slips from reach, Leverkusen has also faced disappointments, being eliminated in the Champions League Round of 16 by Bayern and falling to third-tier Arminia Bielefeld in the semi-finals of the German Cup.